Acne drug 'overused'

27th November 2012

A leading UK dermatologist has warned that a drug used to treat acne is being prescribed to people who do not need to take it.

Dr Tony Chu said "Roaccutane is grossly overused. I've seen patients who have been to see a local dermatologist to treat four of five spots and still been offered it. I've seen patients who have been to see a local dermatologist to treat four or five spots and still been offered it. If you read the guidelines it should only be used for people who have severe acne." The drug, which is prescribed to around 500,000 people every year, has been linked with depression.